Mother's Little Helper

Happy New Year!

 Welcome, welcome 2012!  2011, don't let the door hit your rear on the way out... ;)

I always enjoy fellow stampers' "Year In Review" blog posts, where they post their favorite projects from the past 12 months.  I thought I'd do likewise, even though as I culled through my posts from 2011, I was reminded once again of what a long, strange year it was. 

Anyway, here are some of my favorite cards and creations from 2011. 

January

(altered frame featuring my cute boys and The Cat's Pajamas' set, Got Love)

February

(a clean and simple number, featuring lots of color, heat embossing, and MFT's Say What Die-namic and stamp set) 

March

(an altered canvas featuring paper butteflies created with MFT's Butterflies Die-Namics and Swarovski crystals)

April

(a favorite for sentimental reasons - I used TCP's Toni's Tea Set to create an homage to my wedding china - 'Liberty' by Lenox)

May

(I really like the tennis court background I made, and the darling Krista Moonlight Whispers image from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps)

June

(Another KKS Moonlight Whispers gal, this fetching bathing beauty is Eleanor.)

July

 

(This Hula honey is Kali from Hawaii by Your Next Stamp)

August

(My Trick or Treat Banner, using lots of images from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps, my favorite panel of which was Horace, a Moonlight Whisper guy)

September

(A sweet lil card featuring The Tweetest Things and Nesting sets from The Cat's Pajamas)

October

(A birthday card featuring my favorite new embellishment of 2011 - burlap - and KKS's Julie image and TCP's Circus Panels and Circus Border CutUps dies)

November

(A fun and easy little number with images from Paper Smooches' Wake Up stamp set)

December

(Last but not least, a card that can go Christmas/Valentine's/Just Because, feautring TCP's Freezin' Season set and Snowflake and Hearts Trio CutUps dies)

As my buddy Porky Pig would say, "That's all, folks!"  I hope you enjoyed my personal walk down memory lane and that you'll come back tomorrow for my first card and the first Mojo Monday sketch of 2012. 

Cheers!

September Sketch For You To Try!

Oh, man!  Am I ever so happy it's September, my favorite month of the year!  Why?  Well, it's my birth month, and the birth month of my favorite-little-boy-in-the-whole-wide-world (aka Carter, who turns 7 on Tuesday. By the way, in case you think I play favorites, I also have a favorite-big-boy- and a favorite-man-in-the-whole-wide-world).  Summer is waning and autumn is around the bend.  Football season starts (not that I'm a huge football fan, but I do like going to the occasional OU or Claremore Zebras game), new TV shows are premiered, and the holidays are only a stone's throw away.  And then there's that fabulous song by Earth, Wind, & Fire...

I ask you: what's not to love about September?

Another great thing about September: it has it's very own, brand new SKETCH FOR YOU TO TRY!  Take a look:

This month's Sketch For You To Try is being sponsored by SKIPPING STONES DESIGNS.  They are an awesome company with tons of great images.  Unfortunately, I totally dropped the ball on selecting a set to work with due to too many irons in the fire last month (another reason I'm glad it's September!), but I know the rest of the SFYTT Sisters are rocking Skipping Stones' sensational stamps.  {<--- say that four times, fast}

As for me, I'm using an image I colored last Saturday when I had the privilege of being a student of Copic's master instructor, the ever-so-awesome Colleen Schaan (pronounced 'Sean,' like my husband's name.  I always like to know how to pronounce people's names correctly, don't you?  Maybe that's because people always pronounce my name wrong.  Just so you know, Burrage rhymes with 'courage.'  But I digress...).  I was down in Eustis, Florida, at the grand opening of the My Favorite Things store.  It was such an amazing day.  I'm going to have to do a separate post to tell you all about it and show all the pictures I took.  Okay, okay... I'll 'fess up: the real reason I have to tell you all about it in a separate post and not this one is because I have a new little point-and-shoot camera for my purse and I need to find the adapter that will allow me to download the photos.  *sigh*  I know you're surprised!

This is going to be a belated birthday card for my little neice, Blair.  She looks just like this sweet little Pure Innocence gal from the Being Cute Is What I Do set. Here's a close up of her so you can see some of the nifty tricks Colleen taught me, like using a light purple Copic for facial shadows (that faint shadow around the hairline) and flicking.  Let me tell you, flicking will change the way you color!

For the sentiment and number embellishment, I used MFT's By The Numbers Die-Namics and stamp set.  The banner for the sentiment was cut out of vellum using The Cat's Pajamas' Easy Rosette CutUps die.  Anyone know what we used to do before all of these amazing dies came on to the market?! 

Other card details:

• Because the sketch calls for the panels to be weighted down toward the bottom of the card, I took the opportunity to put a strip of bling (by Heidi Swapp) at the top of the card.  What little girl doesn't love a little bling?
• The patterned paper I used is My Mind's Eye's 6x6 'Gertie' pad from their Stella & Rose line.  I know it's been out for a while, but it's new to me and I LOVE it!  So much so, I bought two so I wouldn't have to be stingy with it.
• The image was stamped out in Momento Tuxedo Black onto Copic X-Press Blending card stock.  Listen to me, people: if you have Copics, you MUST try this card stock!  It's a little pricey, but it's worth it!  Because I'm primarily a colorer, I have a really hard time stamping on anything else - I've gotten spoiled by it, it's so phenomenal.  You can get it several places, and if you just want to try out a little bit, you can buy it by the sheet from Your Next Stamp.

Go to Jen's blog at i{heart}2stamp to see what Jen and our September Designer of the Month, the oh-so-inky ALYSSA SCRITCHFIELD, have put together using the September SFYTT, and for all the details about how you can play along with us and be eligible to be our next D.O.M.  Then, be sure to visit my SFYTT Sisters to see what super sweetness they've created to inspire you.

Amber Hight
Amy Sheffer
Jen Tapler
Jodi Collins
Kerry Johnson
Megan Lock
Susan Liles
Terri Moore

Last but not certainly not least, we're thrilled to announce we've got two brand new Sisters joining the crew:

Iwona Palamountain and Becky Carafa!  Welcome to the Sisterhood, ladies! 

Now where did I put that camera cord?

 

Krafty Recipe

Greetings, chiclets!  I'm happy because Mother Nature has finally showed we Okies a little mercy.  As I write this at 9 p.m. on Friday night, it's a lovely 70 degrees - unbelieveable after the miserable heat we've had for the last month.  It rained buckets today, but I don't think you'll find many around here complaining since we've had such a drought all summer.  Gives me hope there's a light at the end of this hotter 'n' heck tunnel! 

By the time you read this, it will be Saturday, which means it's time for this week's Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps challenge.  Have you had a chance to go to the KKS website this week?  It's had a FABULOUS makeover!  So pretty and much easier to navigate.  Check it out - I'm sure you'll approve!  And don't worry, even though my photo is not there when you click on the Krafty Girls link, I assure you it's coming soon.  You know I {heart} my KKS and I'm not going anywhere (unless there's something Kimmie's not telling me... you don't think she's trying to send me a hint, do you???).

 

You know what?  I'm going to think positive and not let paranoia be my destroyer.  (<-- little shout out to all you Kinks fans in the hizzle)

Wanna hear about today's KKS challenge?  Of course you do!  Our hostess for this week's challenge is the transcendent TRACY, and she wants us to use a RECIPE!  Here are the ingredients:

• 1 flower
• 1 ribbon
• 1 piece of chipboard

And here's what I cooked up, using the lovely new ELAINE image:

I thought the rose patterned paper was only fitting for this English rose, as was the felt rolled rose flower.  I stamped Elaine's sentiment on to a piece of Technique Tuesday chipboard I had in my stash (turns out, I have about a MILLION pieces of chipboard in one particular drawer I never open...).  Elaine was colored with Copic markers and her overcast sky was lightly airbrushed.  I sure hope she's staying away from the part of London that's rioting.  That's some scary stuff.  Surely Elaine has better sense than to look for trouble.  On the other hand, it does seem to me that Elaine lives her life like a candle in the wind, never knowing who to cling to until the rain sets in...

Oh, wait.  I'm confusing her with someone else...

 

So, um, anyway.  Here's a close-up:

Ready to see what the other Krafty Girls have created?  Then head on over to the KKS Challenge Blog and take a look.  There, you'll also find information about how you can play along in this week's challenge and win the perky PATSY stamp (same one that Tracy used on her card).  You'll also find links to all the Krafty Girls playing today, so you can leave 'em a little love for inspiring you. 

Have a great weekend!  Pip pip, cheerio!

BUY THE WAY: Click HERE for this week's Frugal Friday special - you can get 40-50% off six selected KKS images through Sunday, but act quickly because they're going-going-GONE!

Supplies used:

Stamps: Elaine by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: Rose Red, Old Olive (SU!), rose patterned paper by Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby), check patterned paper from Kaiser Kraft's Nan's Favorites 6x6 pad, Copic X-Press Blending cardstock; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Rolled Rose DieNamic from MFT, felt, Copic Markers and airbrush system, ribbon, Technique Tuesday rectangular chipboard, Nestabilities ovals & scallop ovals, embroidery floss, foam boosters from Jody Morrow's Sticky Stuff Store.

Michele - My Belle...

... These are words that go together well, my Michele ...

Before you think I've got a big girly-crush on my buddy, Michele Boyer, just know this: despite the fact that I have short hair, I am 100% heterosexual.  Not that I have anything against anyone who prefers their own; I'm perfectly okay with that.  Just sayin'.  I DO have a HUGE crush on Michele, but of the stamping kind, only.  I wish I could stamp and embellish exactly like her, but that's it.  I don't want to woo her.  I'm perfectly happy and satisfied by my husband.  Who is a man.  Not that gender makes a difference.  Whatever floats your boat!  And now?  Maybe I should just shut up and talk about this week's Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps' Challenge...

(Don't you know Kimmie is wondering why on earth she ever asked me to be on her design team?!  But she knew me, and thus knew random babbling like the above came with the territory.  Caveat emptor! ;) )

So.  You ready to hear about this week's Kraftin Kimmie Stamps Challenge?  Of course you are!  DONNA is this week's hostess, and she's come up with a challenge that's elicited fear in the hearts of all: CLEAN AND SIMPLE - NO EMBELLISHMENTS!  It's enough to you make it faint, ain't it?  Fortunately, we could use anything made of paper and stitching was deemed okay, so here's what I came up with using MICHELE...

 
Michele is one of the new Travel Girls recently released by KKS, and named for my aforementioned stampin' pal.  (I almost typed 'gf' but didn't want y'all to get the wrong idea.)  She's strolling along the streets of gay Paree (gay meaning "happy"...), after having done a little bit o' shopping.  Wanna see a close up of her?  Okily-dokily...

Not sure if you can tell from the pic, but I added a little Glossy Accents to her glasses lenses to make 'em a bit more realistic.  Other card details?  Michele was colored via Copic Markers, on Copic X-Press Blending card stock (my favorite for coloring these detailed images).  For the lovely sewn border (if I do say so myself...), I used one strand of cream and another strand of pink embroidery floss to handstitch around the light gray layer.  The only other decorative details were created via the lacy border die cuts, made via MFT's Dainty Lace Border Die-Namic.  Simple, yet chic, as befitting la jolie petite fille.

Ready to see more CAS stunners?  Then head on over to the KKS Challenge Blog.  You'll get a lot of loverly inspiration and find out how you can participate in this week's challenge.  Should you decided to play along with us -- and of course, we hope you will -- you'll be eligible to win BRIGITTE - the image our oh-so-sadistic Donna used in her challenge card.  All the details are available on the KKS blog.

Au revoir, mas petite chou! (See you later, my little cabbage!)

BUY THE WAY: This week's Frugal Friday special features a stamp I truly believe EVERY stamper NEEDS: The Krafty Stamper!  Seriously?  Is this not the BEST image you've ever seen of a stamper?!  If you say "no," I'm not sure I want to know you... Get the Krafty Stamper and this week's other Frugal Friday images for 40-50% off, only through Sunday!  And if you've been on the fence about ordering any of the Gimme Kimmie kits, you need to get off it because that special ends on Sunday, too.  :)

Happy 4th of July!

It's a holiday weekend here in the U.S., and among the many things I'm grateful for this 4th of July is the fact that I don't have class tonight!  Woo-hoo!  Instead, the fam is going to our next-door-neighbors' house for a cookout and fireworks.  And sweating.  Just a little slice o' Americana...

Ready to take a look at this week's Mojo Monday sketch?  Here you go...

Because it's the first Monday of the month, it's contest time!  If you particpate in this week's sketch and link it up at the Mojo Monday Blog, you could win the Verve Stamps set of your choosing.  Pretty sweet, huh?  Speaking of sweet, here's my interpretation of this week's sketch using the brand new Away We Go set from The Cat's Pajamas:

Isn't that bunny adorable?  Love him!  I wanted to make this sorta Fourth of July-ish, but not so over the top that I couldn't use it any time of the year.  The patterned papers are all from October Afternoon's Rocket Age set and the stripey ribbon is by Strano.  I stamped the sentiment on a cloud from The Cat's Pajamas new Cloud Border CutUps die (a must have!).  The star strip was cut with My Favorite Thing's Star Border Die-namic.

Here's a close up of Mr. Bunny and the hand-stitching done between the two patterned base layers.  I used 110 lb. Neenah Classic Crest in Natural White to stamp/color on, as well as for my card base.

For more Monday morning inspiration, be sure to stop by the blogs of my fellow Mojo Monday design teammates and see what they've done with this week's sketch. 

• Julee Tilman
• Debbie Carriere
• Maria Gurnsey
• Mary Fish
• Sarah Bigelow
• Stephanie Kraft
• Teresa Kline

Then, create your own version and post it to the Mojo Monday blog.  If you upload to an online gallery, make sure you use the keyword 'MOJO198' so we can shower you with compliments.

Have a great day!

 

Raise the {Daffodil} Lantern

Hello, my pretties!  Happy happy Hump Day!  Wednesdays are long days for me for the next several weeks as I've started the summer semester; I'm in class from 4:30 - 10 pm (same on Mondays) through the end of July.  Blech.  But the subject matter is interesting: Career Counseling and Diversity Issues in Counseling.  Well, at least they're interesting to me, especially compared to all of the legal casebooks and texts I had to read in my previous life. 

I'm sure you'd like nothing better than to hear all about my course assignments and readings -- but really, I think we need to move on to more colorful subjects.  Like, say, this week's COLOR THROWDOWN!  Tammy the Hammer is this week's hostess, and she's throwing down a citrus-y combo that's sure to quench your palette...

I decided to use another of my brand-new ASIAN INSPIRED gals from last weekend's Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps.  I know you must tire of hearing me say how much I love Annie Rodrigue's Moonlight Whispers girlies, so I'm going to refrain from doing so. (But you know what I'm thinking...)  This time, I've used NATSUKO.  Her name means "Summer Child," which I thought went perfectly with Tam's colors. :)

The moment I saw this image, I immediately thought of the Chinese film, 'Raise the Red Lantern.'  Have you ever seen it?  I'm not a huge foreign film buff as I find subtitles a bit distracting (much harder to get 'lost' in the movie when you also have to read what the actors are saying), but I heartily recommend it.  It's visually stunning and has such a great story line: it's set in China in the 1920's and tells the story of a young girl who becomes the fourth wife (or third concubine/mistress) of a wealthy business man, and the politics of living in that household.  The significance of the red lantern is that each day, whomever the master intends to spend the night with has her house (each wife has her own house/rooms that are adjacent to the main house and connected via a courtyard) festooned with red lanterns by servants.  She gets pampered (receiving a foot massage that is apparently addictive) and gets to pick the meals for the next day (which all of the other wives must eat).  Anyway, it's a fabulous movie - it came out in the early '90s and was nominated for an Oscar.  Definitely worth renting (Netflix has it on disc) or buying if you can find a copy.  I'll put the trailer at the bottom of this post if you want to learn more about it.

Anyway, had she been carrying a red lantern, that little smirk on Natsuko's face could be seen as taunting the other wives.  Considering that her lantern is daffodil, and that the sentiment that comes with her is all about remembering kindnesses, let's assume she's not gloating about the foot rub that's coming her way.  I love the little hairnets (or whatever they're called) that Annie has sheathed her hair buns in.  What a unique take on pig tails.  Is that done?  I don't think I've ever seen them before.  They remind me of what my mom used to wear to bed when I was growing up.  She'd go to the beauty shop once a week to get her hair done, then every night before bed, she'd wrap her hair in toliet paper and then crown her swaddled head with a pink satin hairnet.  No wonder I'm so weird...

And, seeing that birds of a feather flock together, well, need I say more about the other eccentrics that make up the Color Throwdown design team?  (I say that with love, girls!)  Why not stop by the Color Throwdown blog to see what the other gals have come up with, then go to their blogs and thank them for putting up with the likes of me?  I'd truly appreciate it, you know. :)

• Tammy Hershberger
• Broni Holcombe
• Barbara Anders
• Danielle Kennedy
• Laura Pryor
• and June Guestie, Betty Wright

Wanna play along with us?  Of course you do!  Just use CTD146 when uploading to a public gallery and add your creation to the Color Throwdown blog using the linky tool.

Other card details?  Well, let's see:

• The sketch is based loosely on last week's Mojo Monday (#194) sketch that I missed while I was out of town.
• Natsuko and her lantern were colored with Copic markers and her dress was paper-pieced.  Her lantern was given a shimmery coat of Sakura Stardust Gelly Roll pen.  I scribbled the ink on it, then spread it around with a waterbrush (a trick I learned from my pal Jen).
• I used My Favorite Thing's Faux Crochet Border Die-namic to create the scallop-y detail near the bottom of the card.

And now, for your viewing pleasure...

 

Supplies used:

Stamps: Natsuko by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: leaf pattern from Echo Park's Springtime 6x6 pad, tangerine pattern from Basic Grey's Ambrosia paper pad, yellow woodgrain from Bella Blvd's Mr. Boy Quadrants 12x12 sheet, Kiwi Kiss & Tangerine Tango (SU!), Copic X-Press blending paper, Georgia Pacific white; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Copic markers, corner rounder, Dainty Doily Border Die-Namic by My Favorite Things, Sakura Stardust Gelly Roll pen, ribbon, foam boosters from Jody Morrow's Sticky Stuff Store.

Hello There, Dead Birds!

Time for another one of my Hump Day challenge combos: Color Throwdown + TCP Tuesday = Today's Color Throwdown challenge is being hosted by Miss Cathy.  Are you ready for this jelly?  'Cause here's what she's throwing down...

One of my first and dearest stamping buddies, the one and only Jen del Muro, is this week's TCP Tuesday Hipster Hostess With the Mostess.  She's our inspiration guru, you know, and here's her latest breathtaking billboard o' beauty to get your creativity flowing:

Fortunately, we did have a couple of colors in common (the celery and melon).  To wrap everything together, in addition to the pumpkin, I pulled some of the dark brown from that yummy apron to come up with this...

Isn't this sa-weet?!  I love this set -- Catch My Drift -- from The Cat's Pajamas' latest release.  The little bear isn't colored at all -- I actually paper-pieced him using The Cat's Pajamas' Paper Thin Wood Veneer.  That stuff is so wonderful.  If you don't have any yet, be sure to put a package on your next TCP order.  I promise, you'll thank me!  

What else can I tell you about this card?  I used my favorite LOBster, Leigh O'Brien's awesome cloud technique (so easy, and she's even made a video tutorial which you can find HERE).  The word bubble is from My Favorite Things' Say What Die-namic set (I used the smaller of the two dies).  Otherwise, the ballons are paper pieced, lots of corners were rounded, and that's all, folks!

All the details to participate in this week's TCP Tuesday challenge can be found on THIS POST on Alma's blog.  And all of the deets re: this week's Color Throwdown can be found on the Color Throwdown Challenge blog.  My offer continues to stand: if you combine the TCP Tuesday Challenge with the Color Throwdown challenge and send me a link?  I will happily send you a card made by yours truly!

I'm happy to say that I've actually had a taker on my GENEROUS offer; my fabulous, funny protégé, the one and only Jenny Peterson is going to be getting some happy mail from Oklahoma in the near future!  A while back, I wrote you a footnote saying that you needed to add her to your blog reader and/or subscribe to her blog.  Did you do it?  You should have, because since then?  She's been made a member of the Cat Pack and is the current Guest Designer for My Favorite Things.  Yes, I am a prophet.  I'm telling you: when I make these kinds of proclamations and predictions?  You can take 'em to the BANK!!!

 

Be sure to visit all of my Color Throwdown homegirls to see what they've come up with this week's challenge and leave 'em some love:

• Tammy Hershberger
• Kristin Eberline
• Broni Holcombe
• Barbara Anders
• Danielle Kennedy
• Laura Pryor (is feeling under the weather, and probably won't be posting until later in the week if at all, but drop her a 'feel better' wish, why don'tcha?)
• Cathy Rulli
• and June Guestie, Betty Wright (one of the amazing designers I 'served time' with on the SCS Dirty Dozen - welcome, Betty!!!  So glad to have you playing with us this month!)

Wanna play along with us?  Of course you do!  Just use CTD144 when uploading to a public gallery and add your creation to the Color Throwdown blog using the linky tool. 

BCNYA, homies!

Supplies used:

Stamps: Catch My Drift by The Cat's Pajamas; Paper: Paper Thin Wood Veneer from The Cat's Pajamas, green plaid from LilyBee Design's Picket Fence 6"x6" pad, all other patterned paper from My Mind's Eye's Fine and Dandy "Tickled Pink" 6"x6" pad, Georgia Pacific white; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Say What Die-Namic from MFT, Copic Airbrush System, Leigh's Cloud Technique, We R Memory Keepers flocked brads from the Peep collection, orange satin ribbon from A Muse|Studio, corner rounder, Nestabilities ovals and big scallop ovals, Bow Easy, foam boosters from Jody Morrow's Sticky Stuff Store.

Mojo {Monday} Risin'...

For those of you who are not classic rock afficianados, today's post title is a reference to Jim Morrison (lead singer of The Doors)'s alter ego, Mr. Mojo Risin'. He makes his first appearance in the song, 'LA Woman.'

Any Doors fans out there?  I went through a big Doors phase, myself, during 7th grade.  The Doors, The Who, The Rolling Stones... loved all of those old guys oh-so-much back in those days.  BUT THEN: in the 8th grade, God created Duran Duran, and I declared them "Good."  Plus, they were all alive and young.  Thus, I could potentially marry them (specifically, John Taylor, the bass player).  At least, that's what I told myself, as I literally wall-papered my room with their images and played nothing but their albums over and over and over again.  But please: do not ask me what a single Duran Duran lyric means, because after having listened to them as an adult, I have no freakin' clue.  As a little girl, I "got" them, but in my dotage? Not so much.

For example:

So why don't you use it?
Try not to bruise it
Buy time don't lose it
The reflex is an only child he's waiting in the park
The reflex is in charge of finding treasure in the dark
And watching over lucky clover isn't that bizarre
Every little thing the reflex does
Leaves you answered with a question mark

(The chorus to 'The Reflex' from the album Seven and The Ragged Tiger.  Don't ask me what that album title refers to, either, because no one knows.)

ANYWAY!

Ready to take a looksie at today's MOJO MONDAY sketch, #192?  Of course you are!  Here you go:

And here's my mirror-image take on it...

I used another one of the new SPORTY GIRL images from this month's FABULOUS Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps release.  I have to say, there are few things in stamping I enjoy more than playing with illustrator extraordinaire, Annie Rodrigue's Moonlight Whispers gals.  I'm happier than a pig in slop with these fresh and fun gals.  I love how all of Annie's illustrations have such a great sense of movement - nothing stiff or awkward about 'em.  Looking at the image above, can't you literally feel that little doggie pulling on the leash?  That's good illustration for you!

I used TORI and colored her and her pup in with Copic markers.  The sentiment is from a 7 Gypsies' 'Family Matters' 97% Complete sticker set (I LOVE those sticker sets, by the way, and have a VAST collection of them.  I really need to start using them more, because they're so much fun). I adhered the sticker to a Cuttlebug tag die cut and hung it from the skinny ribbon (as per my buddy Susan's order) with a jump ring from my stash by the now-defunct Junkitz (RIP).  Notice the little 'hill' I created beneath Tori's feat by using an old Creative Memories wavy cutter.  Pretty clever, no?

For more Monday morning inspiration, be sure to stop by my fellow Mojo Makers' blogs and see what they've done with this week's sketch. 

• Julee Tilman
• Debbie Carriere
• Maria Gurnsey
• Mary Fish
• Sarah Bigelow
• Stephanie Kraft
• Teresa Kline

Then, create your own version and post it to the Mojo Monday blog.  If you upload to an online gallery, make sure you use the keyword 'MOJO192' so we can be sure to leave you snaps.

See you soon, amigas.  This is the end (of this post), my only friend, the end...

Supplies used:

Stamps: Tori by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: Tail Waggers & Cat Naps quadrants by Bella Blvd., Bermuda Bay & Soft Suede (SU!), Copic X-Press Blending Paper; Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Copic Markers, Medium Scallop Border Die-Namic (MFT), Scallop Circle Punch (SU!), 1.5" Circle Punch (Creative Memories), Cuttlebug Tags die, orange 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Junkitz Jump Ring, 7 Gypsies 'Family Matters' 97% Complete sticker, Jody Morrow's foam boosters.

A {Bonita} MFT VIP Blog Hop

¡Hola, muchachas! ¿Que pasa?  Hopefully you've been having have buena time, seeing all the bonita eye candy at each of the stops so far on this month's My Favorite Things VIP Blog Hop.  If you're dancing in step with this month's Hop, you started at MFT Boss Lady KIM's blog, samba'd through the gorgeous creations of many of my design teammates, and came my way via the lovely and talented LISA.  By now, you've had several opportunities to watch the newest Who's That Girl (WTG) image -- WTG - FIESTA -- strut her stuff. 

Cha-cha-check out what I've done with this dancing queen...

Isn't she a hot little number?  But you know what you need after every good Fiesta, don't you?

Isn't that a great sentiment?  If you agree with me, compadre, you'll want to make sure you get this month's VIP kit because it's part of the exclusive FIESTA MINI SET; this mini set is a one-time-only release and a $9.00 value but given for FREE to those who purchase the VIP kit.

Here's everything included in the April VIP Kit:

It includes:

• Who's that Girl - Fiesta! stamp set
• Fiesta Sentiments mini (VIP exclusive stamp set - will never be offered for sale or be available again $9 value, FREE)
• Pretty Posies Die-namics Die
• Basic Grey Luscious 6 X 6 Patterned Paper Pad
• Basic Grey Luscious Stitched Brads

Lots of HOT-HOT-HOT new stuff at an economica price!  The VIP kit is available now, HERE, but you'd better andale.  VIP kits are offered for only one day and are a limited supply item.  In other words, you've got through Wednesday night to purchase one, and when they're gone, they're gone.

As if that weren't enough to tempt you, MFT's got other new goodies in store for you tonight:

• Two new à la modes: YOU RULE and YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO ME
• Five new shades of MFT Cardstock: Lemondrop, Tangy Orange, Razzle Berry, Grapesicle, and Limeade
• Copic Ciao Set E (set of 36 newest Ciao markers)

Your next stop on this hop is that sensational senorita, ARLENE!  ¡Adios, amigas!

 

Supplies used: Stamps: WTG – Fiesta and Fiesta Mini Set by My Favorite Things; Paper: Not Quite Navy, Riding Hood Red, Garden Green (SU!), Solar White (Neenah), We R Memory Keepers Fiesta 6”x6” pad; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Adirondack Sandal (for sponging wall and tag); Accessories: Rounded Banner Trio Die-Namics, Copic Markers, sea sponge, sewing machine, brads, embroidery floss, Dimensionals (SU!)

Pi Day à la mode!

It's 3.14, so Happy Pi Day, everyone!  With that in mind, it's only appropriate that I serve you up a little something à la mode, don't you think?  This delightful line of images has become my very favorite among all of the great stamps My Favorite Things produces.  Of course, I am a bit biased, considering the illustrator, Amanda Baird IS MY NIECE! 

Have I mentioned that before?  {hee}

Around the middle of every month, My Favorite Things releases two new à  la modes images.  Today, I'm going to give you a preview of YOU RULE...

Isn't she a cutie?  Such a great teacher-y set, but it doesn't *HAVE* to be used for a teacher, you know?  Still, I chose to make it so with the idea that I would give it to Carter's teacher, Mrs. McNutt (isn't that a great name for a Kindergarten teacher?  Sounds like someone in a picture book...).  Mrs. McNutt has light brown hair, about the same length as this sweet gal.  I don't think I've ever seen her wear a pencil skirt or a neck tie, but she is in a room with 20+ five- and six-year-olds all day...

I had the fun ruler twill and wanted to build my card around it.  Once I pulled together the patterned papers I wanted to use, I decided to color Mrs. McNutt a plaid skirt.  I find that I prefer to use my Prismacolor pencils and a bit of odorless mineral spirits here and there when I'm using the à  la modes since I can do better detail work with a sharp pencil point than I can with my Copics (although I always do skin with my Copics because it's so much easier).  For example, I highlighted each line on her sheet of paper as well as the margin line using very sharp pencils.  Makes it look more like real notebook paper, don't you think?

I divided the pattern papers with a strip of Black Licorice MFT cardstock ran through my Cuttlebug with MFT's Notebook Die-Namic, and then wrapped it with a bit of Cherry Divine Twine from The Cat's Pajamas for visual interest.  

Here's a simple interior, made with a sheet of legal pad paper, that keeps with the theme and color scheme:

I can easily write a short, evenly spaced note on the inside, thanks to the lines. 

Lots of other MFT Designers are showing off YOU RULE today -- check Kim's Blog for a list of direct links to see more of this adorable gal in action.  The MFT mid-month release is on March 15th at 10 PM EST and includes the MFT VIP kit and the two new à la modes.

Don't forget to celebrate Pi Day with a nice, big slice of -- what else? -- PIE! 

 

Supplies used: Stamps: à la modes - You Rule by My Favorite Things; Paper: Solar White Classic Crest (Neenah), Red Hot & Black Licorice (MFT), Cosmo Cricket: The Boyfriend 6"x6" pad, Bitty Star Basics (PTI), legal pad; Accessories: Notebook Die-Namic (MFT); Cherry Divine Twine (TCP), Petite Oval & Scalloped Oval Nestabilities, ruler twill, Prismacolor pencils and odorless mineral spirits, sewing machine, dimensionals (SU!).

Krafty Peeks, Day 1

As I mentioned over the weekend, I'm one of Kraftin' Kimmie's Krafty Guests this month.  Yay!  Today is the first day of peeks for the March release, and all hands are on deck to show you KRAFTY QUOTES #2.  The Krafty Quotes sets contain four good-sized quotes, designed to appeal to stampers and scrappers alike.

I've got a quote from Lauren Bacall to share with you...

Imagination

I used my all-time favorite embossing powder -- Ranger Embossing Antiquities - Verdigris -- to heat emboss this great quote.  I turned a Large Scallop Oval Nestabilities die cut on its side to make it appear 'cloud-like' against the sunny circle layer.  And of course, I couldn't resist using a die-cut kite to accent the featured sentiment.  I used this week's MojoMonday sketch, which is kind of a toughy, but I was pleased with how this turned out.  Bright and fun, just the way I like 'em! :)

Be sure to stop by the KRAFTY BLOG for direct links to all of today's samples by the Krafty Girls and Guests.  I'll see you tomorrow with a couple of cuties from Steven Leary.

Before I leave, I want to share something with you that fits pretty perfectly with the above quote.  If I don't do so today, I'm afraid that it will get lost in the shuffle and I'll forget.  But it's kind of a big deal, at least to me and mine.  Take a look:

There's Mr. Carter, my six year old kindergartener, playing in his first soccer game!  Over the Christmas break, he suddenly announced that he was going to play soccer this spring.  My response: "Sure, honey."  I didn't think much of it, and figured he'd forget about it. (For those of you who are not regular visitors to my blog, Carter has cerebral palsy.  Here's a longer version of his story, if you're interested.)  Apparently I was the one who forgot: I forgot who I was dealing with!  The most determined little person on the planet who has a memory like a steel trap... 

If imagination is a kite, Carter's definitely soars higher than mine.  I never would have imagined a couple of years ago, when we were still working so hard on learning to walk, that he'd one day be playing on a soccer team with his typically developing peers.  Carter, on the other hand, has never imagined there were any limits with respect to what he could do.  And let me tell you, when he has his mind made up about something?  It. Will. Happen.

So, about a month ago, I called up a friend (who is also the Director of his preschool 'alma mater,' and thus knows Carter very, very well) whose husband is very involved with our local recreational soccer league, and left a message asking her who I should talk to about seeing whether Carter could play soccer.  When she called me back, she said "He'll be on our team!"  And so he's playing on a team with a lot of his good buddies, who know him well and see Carter for Carter.  When another kid on the team innocently asked during a practice why Carter kept falling, a pal of his butted in and said "Carter just doesn't have good balance.  But that's okay!" and helped him up.  Though I was extremely nervous before the first practice, Carter wasn't a bit.  It went great, and he's so excited about being a Black Stallion (that's the name of his team).  Just one more reason I'm so very grateful for living in a small, supportive community.

Anyway, here Carter is, kicking off from the center line.  By this time, he had ditched the walker.  He didn't want to use it in the first place ("But, Mom! No one else has to use a walker!"), but his coach said that if he'd play two minutes with the walker, he could play the rest of the time without it. 

Of course, he did fall down quite a bit, but then he would either pop right up or one of his coaches would help him up.  Didn't phase Carter at all.  Boys were falling down left and right out there, anyway, so no biggie, you know?  Here's Carter throwing the ball in from the sidelines, with a little help from one of his wonderful coaches. 

After the game, the team gather round and on the count of three, they cheered "One-two-three: CARTER!" and made him feel like a million bucks.

It was freezing cold, but our hearts were warm.

Anyway, all of this is to say, I think I'm going to take a few cues from Carter, and let out the kite string more often.  Have a great day, and thanks for letting me share this happy moment with you.

 

Supplies used: Stamps - Krafty Quotes #2 by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps (to be released on 3/13/2011); Paper - Cosmo Cricket Togetherness: Kitestrings, Fossil & Red Hot (My Favorite Things), Crushed Curry (SU!), Natural White (Neenah); Ink: VersaMark, ColorBox Cranberry for inking edges; Accessories: Pinking Edge CutUps die from The Cat's Pajamas, Fly a Kite Die-Namic from My Favorite Things, Nestabilities - large circle, large pinking circle & large scallop oval, sewing machine, linen thread from The Cat's Pajamas, dimensionals (SU!); Sketch: MojoMonday #181

My Favorite Things Design Team -- March Creative Challenge

Howdy, homies!  Joanne issued one doozie of a Creative Challenge for the My Favorite Things Design Team this month: Die-Namics Home Decor.  In other words, we were challenged to create something to decorate our homes using MFT's exclusive Die-Namics dies. 

This challenge had a lot of my lovely teammates clutching their pearls, but not me.  See, I've had an idea brewing for a while.  It's based on an actual item in my home's entry way: a large, unusual collection of framed butterflies.  Take a look:

My husband and I bought this in Ouray, Colorado, on our 10th anniversary, and I love it.  It's so interesting and each butterfly is so beautiful.  I could stare at it for hours.  But...

I do feel a little bit bad about it, too.  I mean, basically, it's a bunch of dead animals encased in glass, right?

So, here's where this month's Creative Challenge comes into play: I decided to make a CRUELTY-FREE butterfly collection, using a recycled canvas, some paper, a few crystals and foam tape.  Here are the ingredients:

(The canvas is one of four fruit still-lifes I had in my kitchen before we remodeled last year.  They're 8"x8", a bit sun-damaged and don't go with our new decor.  I was going to give them to Goodwill, but hung on to them at the last minute, thinking I could alter them somehow.  I altered one this past fall, and this is my second to 'recycle.'  Aren't I just the greenest gal ever? ;)  )

And here's what they transformed themselves into:

Let me tell you, there was a whole lotta Cuttlebug churning going on in my craft room yesterday.  I'll probably be sore later, as that was definitely more resistance training than I regularly do.  And by "regularly," I mean "at all."  Just call me 'Noodle Arms.'

Here's a detailed view:

The background paper is the backside of 'Celebrate: Stars' by Teresa Collins.  All of the solid cardstock is from MFT (Banana Split, Berrylicious, Bubblegum, and Sour Apple), and the butterfly patterened papers are October Afternoon scraps I had laying around.  The blue, pink, and green crystals are Swarovski crystal MFT Adornments, and the yellow centers are Sunflower Yellow adhesive Rhinestones from Queen & Co.  (a present from my sweet friend, Michele).

Again, I used the BUTTERFLIES DIE-NAMIC for this project.

I can't wait to see what the rest of the gang came up with!  If you're interested in seeing more home decor items you can make using Die-Namics, then head on over to Kim's blog for a full list of the designers participating in this month's challenge.

Thanks for fluttering by to see me today!

 

Vavavoom!

This is the first of two posts I'll be making today, and they do share a common theme.  Which is: *bow-chicka-wow-wow* (if you catch my drift, and you will).

First, though, I have a fun announcement: I'm one of Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps' March Guest Designers!  Kimmie Reid and I are good buddies from way back.  We started on the MFT Design Team at roughly the same time, and we hit it off right away.  She has a wonderful sense of humor, and is just a really cool gal; we 'clicked' instantly.  I love it when that happens, don't you?

Then, Kimmie did what most of us stampers only dream about: she started her own stamp company.  And I'm so happy and proud to say that it's been a rousing success.  It couldn't happen to a sweeter gal!  I was thrilled when she FINALLY {hee} asked me to guest design for her because not only do I adore Kimmie, but I genuinely love her fun images, too. 

To kick off my temporary gig (I'm co-guesting with two other wonderful gals, my pals Lori Craig and Kerry Johnson), I'm participating in today's Krafty Challenge (#68) -- Twine or Floss!  Here's what I came up with...

Pretty sexy, huh?  I used Samantha, one of the Annie Rodrigue's Pinup Girls.  I took my color scheme from the oh-so-yummy Airmail Divine Twine, and thought it was fitting, since Samantha definitely looks like she's trying to knock someone out with her American thighs.  Continuing with that train of thought, I die cut some felt Stacking Stars.  Here are a couple of detail close ups, for your viewing pleasure.

I just love her Farrah-esque hair.  I used Copic's amazing X-Press It Blending Cardstock.  I've had it for a while, but I keep forgetting about it.  Oh. My. Heavens!  It is so, so fabulous.  I really do think it makes a big difference.  It's so incredibly smooth.  For your average image when you don't have that much blending, it's kind of spendy, but if you're using a bigger image that needs to be completely covered like these Annies?  Definitely worth it.

You can also see from the above pic that I heat embossed the sentiment with White Detail Embossing Powder (Stampendous).

Here's a close-up of my Airmail Divine Twine/felt Stacking Star embellishment treatment.  At first I was going to use a white button, but I felt everything was looking too matchy-matchy, so I went with a pop of yellow, which still 'went' with the image because it echoed Samantha's honey blonde highlights.

Be sure to check out what the Krafty Girls and my fellow Krafty Guests did HERE.  If you'd like to play along with today's challenge, be sure to link your card to the Krafty Blog.  Jeanne Streiff is today's challenge hostess, so the stamp featured on her card (Stella Strawberry) will be the blog candy for this week's random winner.

I'll be back in a bit with the new March Sketch For You To Try.  And if you think Samantha's risque... you ain't seen NOTHING yet!

Supplies used:

Stamps: Samantha by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: Red Hot & Copic X-press Blending Paper (My Favorite Things), Solar White Classic Crest (Neenah), Enchanted Evening (PTI), red bandana dp (Creative Memories), 'Rawhide' dp by Chloe's Closet; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark; Accessories: Airmail Divine Twine and felt from the Seeing Red and Singing the Blues collections from The Cat's Pajamas, Stacking Stars Die-Namic from MFT, Copic Markers, Polka Dots embossing folder (Cuttlebug), White Detail Embossing Powder (Stampendous), Dimensionals and library clip (SU!)

MFT Teasers - Day 4!

  Okay, gang.  I just feel I need to bring this to your attention as I myself am shocked -- SHOCKED! --  by this fact: I have blogged SIX DAYS IN A ROW!  I am quite certain that is some sort of record for yours truly.  For some folks, that's water off a duck's back.  But for me?  Uh-uh.  That's HUGE.  That's DEDICATION.  That's ORGANIZATION.  And that just may never happen again.  So let's savor this moment, shall we? 

Okay!  Now that we're done with our Monday morning cocktails (and really, is there a better way to start a week?  I think not...), let's get on to the REAL reason why you're here.  It's not to witness me babble about this and that.  Or maybe it is -- and if that's true for you, God bless you.  I love you dearly, with the white hot passion of 1,000 suns.  But assuming you're here to see another Teaser for My Favorite Things, let's get down to bidness. 

Today, my fabulous MFT Design Teammates and I are giving you previews of two new sets:

• Claire Keay - Bee Yourself
• Inspired by Flowers

From the moment laid eyes on Claire Keay's illustrations (with the adorable Little Loveosaurus), it was love at first sight.  Her latest set -- BEE YOURSELF -- is equally worthy of devotion.  Take a look...

If that little bee gal isn't a cutie full of charm, I don't know who is.  Here's a close up:

It's hard to tell from the photo, but her wings are given a sparkly sheen with the aid of a Stardust glitter pen by Sakura.  I scribbled a bit with the pen and then 'spread out' the sparkly stuff with the aid of my water-pen, a trick I learned from my buddies Jen & Susan.

Here's the interior of the card:

Now, I'm really going to blow your mind.  Not only is this my sixth consecutive day of blogging, but I'm going to show you YET ANOTHER CARD I created for this month's new MFT release.  I know, I know... you're feeling a bit faint.

 

Can't say that I blame you.  I'm a smidge light-headed myself.  But, see, I needed a thank you note, pronto, and so I pulled out the new CLEARLY SENTIMENTAL ABOUT PARENTING set.  Though highlighting the parent/child relationship, these sentiment stamps are versatile enough to serve many purposes.  Take a look:

A couple of my design teammates used a purple and black color scheme on their Teasers recently, and I so loved the effect I had to try it myself.  I know a lot of folks out there are a little scared of purple, but I love it.  Ever since Donny Osmond and his purple socks, I've been a big fan of this royal hue.  Here's the interior of my card:

You may have noticed both of my cards today use a few of the FANTASTIC new Die-namics being released on Tuesday, DIZZY DOILY, DIZZY BORDER, and UPSY DAISY FLOWER BUILDER. 

You know, I almost feel guilty enabling you in this way.  Almost.  But then again, as I tell myself frequently: is it wrong to share the best (in stamping) with the best (in readers)?  Wouldn't it be worse to hold out and keep all of this stampy goodness for myself?  And so, I give.  Because I'M A GIVER! :)

Now, here are the details about the upcoming release on March 1st at 10 PM EST:

• The MFT release is on March 1st at 10 PM EST. You can attend the release party from 8-10 PM EST here in the forum for fun, games, and prizes! All the new sets and dies will be available on March 1st at 10 PM EST.
• The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win over $100 in stamp sets and play along with the DT for a month.
• If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to Kim's blog NOW! Be sure to leave comments as you go for a chance to win one of 2 stamp sets being given away daily, just for leaving a comment. :) Check Kim's blog every day for the winners.

Thanks for stopping by today, friends!  Have a great day!

 

MFT Teasers -- Day 3!

It's Day 3 of Teasers for the upcoming release from My Favorite Things, and today's the day all you Pure Innocence fans get a peek at the newest cuties!  The Pure Innocence images my fabulous MFT Design Teammates and I are previewing include:

• Daffodil
• Warm Fuzzies
• One Sweet Chick
• Girl Scout
• Boy Scout

Here's what I came up with using the WARM FUZZIES set:

Isn't she a cutie?  Unlike Ralphie in 'A Christmas Story,' I think she loves her fuzzy pink bunny suit.  It is fuzzy, by the way.  I spoke with Kim (owner/Boss Lady of MFT) right before I made this card, and I warned her that I was planning to "flock her up." And I did -- she's covered in hot pink Fun Flock.  Very fuzzy-wuzzy. The layout I used is the Mojo Monday #178 sketch. 

Here's a look at the card interior...

To create a little interest on the side, I used the Small Scallop Border Die-Namic.

Here are the details about the upcoming release on March 1st at 10 PM EST:

• The MFT release is on March 1st at 10 PM EST. You can attend the release party from 8-10 PM EST here in the forum for fun, games, and prizes! All the new sets and dies will be available on March 1st at 10 PM EST.
• The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win over $100 in stamp sets and play along with the DT for a month.
• If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to Kim's blog NOW! Be sure to leave comments as you go for a chance to win one of 2 stamp sets being given away daily, just for leaving a comment. :) Check Kim's blog every day for the winners.

 Thanks for stopping by today, and I'll see you tomorrow with another Teaser! :)